Acid reflux is very common in children and infants these days. Every mother is much tensed regarding the bad habit of their children who have continuous habit of spitting and throwing up of food articles. What exactly is this Acid Reflux? Acid Reflux is a situation where the lower esophagus sphincter of the stomach fails to function properly.

The main function of lower esophagus sphincter is to act like a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. And it just shuts itself as soon as any food particles get inside the stomach. And this gives no chance for the food to re enter the esophagus. When the lower esophageal sphincter is not able to prevent the backflow of acidic stomach content into esophagus, then acid reflux is said to be caused. This acidic content causes severe irritation in the esophagus and this is very much termed as Acid Reflux.

Let us see some of the causes which lead the children to suffer from this effect. One of the main reasons for children to get attacked with this situation is due to improper growth of their digestion system. As the children are in their growing phase, so their digestive system is not fully developed. Hence, it becomes very favorable thing for acidity to be caused.

It is advised from the doctor that the feeding should be reduced when an infant had acid reflux. One can also get a change in the schedule of feeding but these things must be done after consultation with a doctor.

The incidence of acid reflux also occurs due to extra pressure on the abdomen. Hence, parents are advised that they should hold the infants in an upright position so that the food gets digested in the stomach. This is the reason why an infant is advised to sleep with his back laid because if they sleep other way they tend to develop acidity as the food does not get digested.

How can this acid reflux be controlled? This can be cured with the help of burping. Hence, all the mothers are advised to give burping to the infants as soon as they get their feeding. Burping should be done twice or thrice while feeding the baby. Another way to cure acid reflux in infants is by elevating their crib portion so that they get help in digesting the food. This type of elevation of head prevents the acid to reach the esophagus area.

There are so many medications available which also proves to be helpful to curing this acid reflux in children. There are few H2 blockers like cimetidine, Ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine. These drugs work by preventing the back flow of acid into the esophagus. There are certain proton pump inhibitors too which can be used like esomeprazole (also known as Nexium), omepranzole, lansoprazole, rabepranzole and pantoprazole. These help in decreasing the level of acid produced inside the body.

Hence, the very short method of reducing the acidity in infants is by changing the dietary pattern and also in sleeping modes. A serious condition can be avoided with effective medicines like esomeprazole or Nexium.

Supplemental amino acids are available in combination with various multivitamin formulas, as protein mixtures, in a wide variety of food supplements, and in a number of amino acid formulas. They can be purchased as capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders. Most amino acid supplements are derived from animal protein, yeast protein, or vegetable protein. Crystalline free-form amino acids are generally extracted from a variety of grain products. Brown rice bran is a prime source, although cold-pressed yeast and milk proteins are also used.

Free-form means the amino acid is in its purest form. Free-form amino acids need no digestion and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. These white crystalline amino acids are stable at room temperature and decompose when heated to temperatures of 350°F to 660°F (180°C to 350°C). They are rapidly absorbed and do not come from potentially allergenic food sources. For best results, choose encapsulated powders or powder.

When choosing amino acid supplements, look for products that contain USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia) pharmaceutical-grade L-crystalline amino acids. Most of the amino acids (except for glycine) can appear in two forms, the chemical structure of one being the mirror image of the other. These are called the D- and L- forms for example, D-cystine and L-cystine. The “D” stands for dextro (Latin for “right”) and the “L” for levo (Latin for “left”); these terms denote the direction of the rotation of the spiral that is the chemical structure of the molecule. Proteins in animal and plant tissue are made from the L- forms of amino acids (with the exception of phenylalanine, which is also used in the form of DL-phenylalanine, a mixture of the D- and L- forms). Thus, with respect to supplements of amino acids, products containing the L- forms of amino acids are considered to be more compatible with human biochemistry.

Each amino acid has specific functions in the body. The many functions and possible symptoms of deficiency of twenty-eight amino acids and related compounds are described below. When taking amino acids individually for healing purposes, take them on an empty stomach to avoid making them compete for absorption with the amino acids present in foods. When taking individual amino acids, it is best to take them in the morning or between meals, with small amounts of vitamin B and vitamin C to enhance absorption.

When taking an amino acid complex that includes all of the essential amino acids, it is best to take it a half hour away from a meal, either before or after. If you are taking individual amino acids, it is wise also to take a full amino acid complex, including both essential and nonessential amino acids, at a different time. This is the best way to as-sure you have adequate amounts of all the necessary amino acids.

Be aware that individual amino acids should not be taken for long periods of time. A good rule to follow is to alternate the individual amino acids that fit your needs and back them up with an amino acid complex, taking the supplements for two months and then discontinuing them for two months. Moderation is the key. Some amino acids have potentially toxic effects when taken in high doses (over 6,000 milligrams per day) and may cause neurological damage. These include aspartic acid, glutamic acid, homocysteine, serine, and tryptophan. Cysteine can be toxic if taken in amounts over 1,000 milligrams per day. Do not give supplemental amino acids to a child, or take doses of any amino acid in excess of the amount recommended unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider.

Some recommended amino acid products include the following:

A/G-Pro from Miller Pharmacal Group, a complete amino acid and mineral supplement.

Anabolic Amino Balance and Muscle Octane from Anabol Naturals. Anabolic Amino Balance is a complex of twenty-three free-form amino acids. Muscle Octane is a blend of free form branched chain amino acids (L-leucine,L-valine, and L-isoleucine). Anabol Naturals also pro-duces free-form single amino acids.

Amino Blend from Carlson Laboratories, a complex containing twenty amino acids, both essential and non-essential.

Alanine

Alanine plays a major role in the transfer of nitrogen from peripheral tissue to the liver. It aids in the metabolism of glucose, a simple carbohydrate that the body uses for energy.

Alanine also guards against the buildup of toxic sub-stances that are released in the muscle cells when muscle protein is broken down to meet energy needs quickly, such as happens with aerobic exercise. Epstein-Barr virus and chronic fatigue have been associated with excessive alanine levels and low levels of tyrosine and phenylalanine. One form of alanine, beta-alanine, is a constituent of pantothenic acid (vitamin 65) and coenzyme A, a vital catalyst in the body.

Research has found that for people with insulin-dependent diabetes, taking an oral dose of L-alanine can be more effective than a conventional bedtime snack in preventing nighttime hypoglycemia.

Arginine

Arginine retards the growth of tumors and cancer by enhancing immune function. It increases the size and activity of the thymus gland, which manufactures T lymphocytes (T cells), crucial components of the immune system. Arginine may therefore benefit those suffering from AIDS and malignant diseases that suppress the immune system. It is also good for liver disorders such as cirrhosis of the liver and fatty liver; it aids in liver detoxification by neutralizing ammonia. It may also reduce the effects of chronic alcohol toxicity.

Seminal fluid contains arginine. Studies suggest that sexual maturity may be delayed by arginine deficiency; conversely, arginine is useful in treating sterility in men. It is found in high concentrations in the skin and connective tissues, making it helpful for healing and repair of damaged tissue.

Arginine is important for muscle metabolism. It helps to maintain a proper nitrogen balance by acting as a vehicle for transportation and storage, and aiding in the excretion, of excess nitrogen. Studies have shown that it also reduces nitrogen losses in people who have undergone surgery, and improves the function of cells in lymphatic tissue. This amino acid aids in weight loss because it facilitates an increase in muscle mass and a reduction of body fat. It is also involved in a variety of enzymes and hormones. It aids in stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, is a component grade L-crystalline amino acids. Most of the amino acids (except for glycine) can appear in two forms, the chemical structure of one being the mirror image of the other. These are called the D- and L- forms for example, D-cystine and L-cystine. The “D” stands for dextro (Latin for “right”) and the “L” for levo (Latin for “left”); these terms denote the direction of the rotation of the spiral that is the chemical structure of the molecule. Proteins in animal and plant tissue are made from the L- forms of amino acids (with the exception of phenylalanine, which is also used in the form of DL-phenylalanine, a mixture of the D- and L- forms). Thus, with respect to supplements of amino acids, products containing the L- forms of amino acids are considered to be more compatible with human biochemistry.

Insomnia is a symptom which can accompany several sleep, medical and psychiatric disorders, characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep and/or difficulty staying asleep.

One definition of insomnia is difficulties initiating and/or maintaining sleep, or non restorative sleep, associated with impairments of daytime functioning or marked distress for more than 1 month.

Types of insomnia:
Although there are several different degrees of insomnia, three types of insomnia have been clearly identified: transient, acute, and chronic.

1. Transient insomnia lasts from days to weeks. It can be caused by another disorder, by changes in the sleep environment, by the timing of sleep, severe depression, or by stress. Its consequences - sleepiness and impaired psychomotor performance - are similar to those of sleep deprivation.

2. Acute insomnia is the inability to consistently sleep well for a period of between three weeks to six months.

3. Chronic insomnia lasts for years at a time. It can be caused by another disorder, or it can be a primary disorder. Its effects can vary according to its causes. They might include being unable to sleep, muscular fatigue, hallucinations, and/or mental fatigue; but people with chronic insomnia often show increased alertness. Some people that live with this disorder see things as if they are happening in slow motion, wherein moving objects seem to blend together. Can cause double vision.

Causes:

Insomnia can be caused by:

1. Psychoactive drugs or stimulants, including certain medications, herbs, caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines.

2. Restless Legs Syndrome can cause insomnia due to the discomforting sensations felt and need to move the legs or other body parts to relieve these sensations. It is difficult if not impossible to fall asleep while moving.

3. Pain: Any injury or condition that causes pain.

4. Hormone shifts such as those that precede menstruation and those during menopause.

5. Life problems like fear, stress, anxiety, emotional or mental tension, work problems, financial stress.

6. Mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, clinical depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, or obsessive compulsive disorder.

7. Disturbances of the circadian rhythm, such as shift work, can cause an inability to sleep at some times of the day and excessive sleepiness at other times of the day.

8. Certain neurological disorders, brain lesions, or a history of traumatic brain injury.

9. Medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis.

10. Poor sleep hygiene, e.g., noise

11. Physical exercise. Exercise-induced insomnia is common in athletes, causing prolonged sleep onset latency.

COMPLICATIONS OF INSONMNIA:

1. PSYCHOLOGICAL:
a. lowered performance
b. slower reaction time
c. risk of depression
d. risk of anxiety disorder

2. poor immune system function

3.over weight or obesity

4.high blood pressure

5.risk of cardiac disease

6.risk of diabetes

MANAGEMENT :

1. Aviod the psychoactive drugs as far as possible
2. Proper nutritious diet
3. Meditation
4. Avoidance of noise and light during bed time
5. Proper sleep hygiene

HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH:

BELLADONNA:

Sleep is extremely restless, interrupted by talking, startings ,spasmodic motions, frightful images on closing the eyes
Violent throbbing in the brain
Frightful dreams which make the person wake from sleep frightened
Hot head and dilated pupils

NUX VOMICA:

Patient is very sleepy in the evening,but sleep is not sound fullor rest full
Awakens in the night with anxiety with fright full dreams
Especially suited to the persons who use excessive stimulants such as coffee,wine etc
Sleeplessness from mental over work

COFFEA CRUDA:

Excessive agitation of the body and mind
All the senses are extremely acute
It is the remedy when good news ,joys,or night watching are the causes of the insomnia

Other remedies are :

HYOSCYAMUS NIGER

CANNABIS INDICA

CHAMOMILLA

GELSEMIUM